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uncertainly

uncertainly

7 4.0
Act or speak in a way that shows you are not sure
  • adverb
  • /ʌnˈsɜrtnli/
: con inseguridad
  • She raised her hand uncertainly, afraid of being called on in class.
  • standing uncertainly
  • looked uncertainly
  • nodded uncertainly

Examples

  • "I'll do that right now," he said uncertainly, and hefted the bag over one shoulder.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Later, over coffee, Salwa looks uncertainly into her mother's eyes.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • "You are many," the man said uncertainly, looking them over.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The young man stood uncertainly for a moment and then ran off the stage and through the room.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • For a moment, Doug stood uncertainly over her, then turned and went into the kitchen.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • People were lingering uncertainly because there was a sense of unfinished business in the air.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • "Strange lot we are," Jobber mumbled, and stood uncertainly in the marsh.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The light of the oil lamps flickered uncertainly, and the shadows crept close.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • "Admiral?" Pellaeon called uncertainly, trying to see around the artwork and through the gloom.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Vivian, wearing a monogrammed hotel terry robe, is standing uncertainly in the bedroom doorway.

    Fiction book (1990)

Synonyms

tentatively
vsuncertainly
27 5.1

In a way that shows hesitation or not being sure

focuses on simple lack of confidence rather than provisional testing
hesitantly
vsuncertainly
10 3.2

In a slow, unsure way because of doubt

describes lack of confidence generally rather than the pause itself
doubtfully
vsuncertainly
4 3.8

In a way that shows you are not sure and have little confidence

covers low confidence more broadly rather than focused doubt
hesitatingly
vsuncertainly
1 6.1

In a slow, unsure way that shows doubt

is the broader expression of lacking confidence, not only pausing
falteringly
vsuncertainly
1 7.4

In a slow, unsure way that shows little confidence

means lacking confidence without implying weakness in action
insecurely
vsuncertainly
1 5.0

In a nervous way that shows little confidence

describes neutral lack of certainty without self conscious tone
unsurely
vsuncertainly
1 4.1

In a way that shows someone is not sure

is the general term for showing lack of confidence or certainty
waveringly
vsuncertainly
1 7.5

With an unsteady, unsure voice or movement that shows doubt

indicates lack of confidence without physical unsteadiness
hedgingly
vsuncertainly
1 8.9

Speaks in a careful way that avoids a clear answer

expresses lack of confidence openly rather than strategic avoidance

Antonyms

33 2.9

In a way that shows a person is sure and not afraid

19 4.7

Without any doubt and with confidence

How Confident

surely
862 1.0
confidently
33 2.9
uncertainly
7 4.0
hesitantly
10 3.2
insecurely
1 5.0

Surface Forms

uncertainly positive
uncertainlier comparative
uncertainliest superlative

Morphology

uncertainly = uncertain (transparent) = un + certain + ly

Formed by adding the adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'uncertain', yielding a predictable manner meaning.

Etymology

The word uncertainly starts with un- meaning 'not' and has the part certain meaning 'sure', as in certainly. The ending -ly turns it into an adverb, so uncertainly literally means 'in a not-sure way', which is why it describes speech or movement that shows a lack of confidence.